# Official Journal C 285/2006

| | ISSN 1725-2423 |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 285 |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 4922 November 2006 |

ISSN 1725-2423

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 285

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 4922 November 2006

---

| Notice No | Contents | page |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | I   Information |
| | Commission |
| 2006/C 285/1 | Euro exchange rates | 1 |
| 2006/C 285/2 | Final report of the hearing officer in Case COMP/F/38.645 — Methacrylates (pursuant to Articles 15 and 16 of Commission Decision (2001/462/EC, ECSC) of 23 May 2001 on the terms of reference of Hearing Officers in certain competition proceedings — OJ L 162, 19.06.2001, p.21)
   (
  1
  ) | 2 |
| 2006/C 285/3 | Opinion of the Advisory Committee on restrictive practices and dominant positions at its meeting on given at its 409th meeting on 15 May 2006 concerning a draft decision relating to Case COMP/F/38.645 — Methacrylates (
  1
  ) | 4 |
| 2006/C 285/4 | Opinion of the Advisory Committee on restrictive practices and dominant positions given at its 410th meeting on 29 May 2006 concerning a draft decision relating to Case COMP/F/38.645 — Methacrylates (
  1
  ) | 5 |
| 2006/C 285/5 | Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4468 — Candover Partners/Hilding Anders) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  ) | 6 |
| 2006/C 285/6 | Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 of 12 January 2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises (
  1
  ) | 7 |
| 2006/C 285/7 | Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 68/2001 of 12 January 2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to training aid (
  1
  ) | 12 |

Notice No

Contents

page

I   Information

Commission

2006/C 285/1

Euro exchange rates

1

2006/C 285/2

Final report of the hearing officer in Case COMP/F/38.645 — Methacrylates (pursuant to Articles 15 and 16 of Commission Decision (2001/462/EC, ECSC) of 23 May 2001 on the terms of reference of Hearing Officers in certain competition proceedings — OJ L 162, 19.06.2001, p.21)
   (
  1
  )

(pursuant to Articles 15 and 16 of Commission Decision (2001/462/EC, ECSC) of 23 May 2001 on the terms of reference of Hearing Officers in certain competition proceedings — OJ L 162, 19.06.2001, p.21)

1

2

2006/C 285/3

Opinion of the Advisory Committee on restrictive practices and dominant positions at its meeting on given at its 409th meeting on 15 May 2006 concerning a draft decision relating to Case COMP/F/38.645 — Methacrylates (
  1
  )

1

4

2006/C 285/4

Opinion of the Advisory Committee on restrictive practices and dominant positions given at its 410th meeting on 29 May 2006 concerning a draft decision relating to Case COMP/F/38.645 — Methacrylates (
  1
  )

1

5

2006/C 285/5

Prior notification of a concentration (Case COMP/M.4468 — Candover Partners/Hilding Anders) — Candidate case for simplified procedure (
  1
  )

1

6

2006/C 285/6

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 of 12 January 2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises (
  1
  )

1

7

2006/C 285/7

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 68/2001 of 12 January 2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to training aid (
  1
  )

1

12

| | III   Notices |
| --- | --- |
| | Commission |
| 2006/C 285/8 | Europe for Citizens Programme 2007-2013 — Conditional publication of the Programme Guide | 14 |

III   Notices

Commission

2006/C 285/8

Europe for Citizens Programme 2007-2013 — Conditional publication of the Programme Guide

14

| | |
| --- | --- |
| | (1)   Text with EEA relevance |

---

(1)   Text with EEA relevance

1

| EN | |
| --- | --- |

EN

---

I Information

Commission

| 22.11.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 285/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.11.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 285/1

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Euro exchange rates (1)

21 November 2006

(2006/C 285/01)

1 euro=

| | Currency | Exchange rate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| USD | US dollar | 1,2814 |
| JPY | Japanese yen | 151,24 |
| DKK | Danish krone | 7,4566 |
| GBP | Pound sterling | 0,67480 |
| SEK | Swedish krona | 9,0870 |
| CHF | Swiss franc | 1,5933 |
| ISK | Iceland króna | 90,57 |
| NOK | Norwegian krone | 8,2660 |
| BGN | Bulgarian lev | 1,9558 |
| CYP | Cyprus pound | 0,5777 |
| CZK | Czech koruna | 27,949 |
| EEK | Estonian kroon | 15,6466 |
| HUF | Hungarian forint | 256,80 |
| LTL | Lithuanian litas | 3,4528 |
| LVL | Latvian lats | 0,6979 |
| MTL | Maltese lira | 0,4293 |
| PLN | Polish zloty | 3,7973 |
| RON | Romanian leu | 3,4898 |
| SIT | Slovenian tolar | 239,66 |
| SKK | Slovak koruna | 35,526 |
| TRY | Turkish lira | 1,8740 |
| AUD | Australian dollar | 1,6646 |
| CAD | Canadian dollar | 1,4676 |
| HKD | Hong Kong dollar | 9,9775 |
| NZD | New Zealand dollar | 1,9126 |
| SGD | Singapore dollar | 1,9976 |
| KRW | South Korean won | 1 198,69 |
| ZAR | South African rand | 9,2462 |
| CNY | Chinese yuan renminbi | 10,0859 |
| HRK | Croatian kuna | 7,3725 |
| IDR | Indonesian rupiah | 11 712,00 |
| MYR | Malaysian ringgit | 4,6771 |
| PHP | Philippine peso | 63,833 |
| RUB | Russian rouble | 34,1650 |
| THB | Thai baht | 46,886 |

Currency

Exchange rate

USD

US dollar

1,2814

JPY

Japanese yen

151,24

DKK

Danish krone

7,4566

GBP

Pound sterling

0,67480

SEK

Swedish krona

9,0870

CHF

Swiss franc

1,5933

ISK

Iceland króna

90,57

NOK

Norwegian krone

8,2660

BGN

Bulgarian lev

1,9558

CYP

Cyprus pound

0,5777

CZK

Czech koruna

27,949

EEK

Estonian kroon

15,6466

HUF

Hungarian forint

256,80

LTL

Lithuanian litas

3,4528

LVL

Latvian lats

0,6979

MTL

Maltese lira

0,4293

PLN

Polish zloty

3,7973

RON

Romanian leu

3,4898

SIT

Slovenian tolar

239,66

SKK

Slovak koruna

35,526

TRY

Turkish lira

1,8740

AUD

Australian dollar

1,6646

CAD

Canadian dollar

1,4676

HKD

Hong Kong dollar

9,9775

NZD

New Zealand dollar

1,9126

SGD

Singapore dollar

1,9976

KRW

South Korean won

1 198,69

ZAR

South African rand

9,2462

CNY

Chinese yuan renminbi

10,0859

HRK

Croatian kuna

7,3725

IDR

Indonesian rupiah

11 712,00

MYR

Malaysian ringgit

4,6771

PHP

Philippine peso

63,833

RUB

Russian rouble

34,1650

THB

Thai baht

46,886

---

(1)

Source: reference exchange rate published by the ECB.

---

| 22.11.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 285/2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.11.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 285/2

---

Final report of the hearing officer in Case COMP/F/38.645 — Methacrylates

(pursuant to Articles 15 and 16 of Commission Decision (2001/462/EC, ECSC) of 23 May 2001 on the terms of reference of Hearing Officers in certain competition proceedings — OJ L 162, 19.06.2001, p.21)

(2006/C 285/02)

(Text with EEA relevance)

The draft decision gives rise to the following observations:

Introduction

The present case arises out of an application for immunity made by Degussa pursuant to the Leniency Notice, concerning a cartel relating to methacrylates products, subsequent inspections carried out by the Commission in March 2003 at the premises of Atofina, Barlo, Degussa and Lucite, further leniency applications made by Atofina, Lucite and ICI and numerous follow-up requests for information. The Commission came to the conclusion that undertakings had taken part in a potential infringement of Article 81 of the EC Treaty and Article 53(1) of the EEA Treaty.

Statement of Objections and access to file

A Statement of Objections ('SO') was sent on 17 August 2005 to the following addressees:

Degussa AG, Röhm GmbH & Co. KG, Para-Chemie GmbH (collectively ‘Degussa’); BASF AG; ICI Plc; Total SA and Elf Aquitaine SA; Arkema SA, Altuglas International SA, Altumax Europe SAS (collectively ‘Atofina’); Lucite International Ltd, Lucite International UK Ltd (collectively ‘Lucite’); Quinn Barlo Limited, Quinn Plastics NV, Quinn Plastics GmbH, Quinn Plastics SA (collectively ‘Barlo’); Repsol YFP; Repsol Quimica SA Repsol Bronderslev A/S, Repsol Polivar SpA (collectively ‘Repsol’).

Access to file was provided by means of a CD-ROM containing all the documents in the Commission's file. Certain documents were missing from the file provided by the Commission or had been provided in an unreadable form. This issue was rapidly resolved for all parties without any need for any further extension of the deadline to reply to the SO for this reason.

The Parties' replies and oral hearing

The initial deadline to reply to the SO was 19 October 2005 for all parties. Upon request, limited extensions were granted to ICI, Repsol YPF, Repsol Quimica and Lucite. Replies were received between 19 October 2005 and 4 November 2005 (i.e. within the time allowed).

ICI, Quinn, Repsol Quimica and Repsol YFP requested an oral hearing, and all others expressed their wish to participate in the hearing. The oral hearing took place on 15 and 16 December 2005. All addressees of the SO attended.

Repsol Quimica and Lucite requested access to the replies of the other addressees to the SO assuming that they contained elements that might be useful to their defence. Since the replies of parties to the SO do not form part of the investigation file, their requests were rejected by the Commission services. I later confirmed this position in respect of Repsol Quimica, adopting a Decision pursuant to Article 8 of the Hearing Officer's Mandate. During the hearing, all parties were assured that if new exculpatory evidence was found, or new inculpatory evidence that the Commission intended to rely upon in its final decision, they would be given the opportunity to comment on this evidence later and their rights of defence would, therefore, be fully guaranteed.

However, shortly before the oral hearing, a non-confidential version of Degussa's reply was communicated to all the parties. The Commission services had asked Degussa to clarify two issues in its reply to the Statement of Objections for purposes of the investigation that were of relevance to other parties. Degussa provided the requested information, which was communicated to all parties together with the non-confidential version of Degussa's reply to the SO, thus allowing comments by the parties.

Draft Final Decision

In light of the parties' replies to the SO and the statements made at the oral hearing, the objections set forth in the SO have been modified in the draft final decision. First of all, the allegations concerning Repsol, BASF and Quinn Plastics SA have been dropped on the basis of insufficient evidence. Therefore, the draft decision is not addressed to them.

Secondly, the products covered by the infringement have been reduced to three: PMMA-moulding compounds, PMMA-solid sheet and PMMA-sanitary ware. Sufficient proof was not obtained to corroborate the allegations made by the immunity applicant with regard to MMA, and therefore the Commission proposes to drop the objections regarding MMA. Furthermore, objections have been dropped against Quinn Barlo Ltd, Quinn Plastics NV and Quinn Plastics GmbH in relation to PMMA-moulding compounds.

Thirdly, the duration of the infringement with respect to the various parties is shorter than alleged in the SO.

The draft decision submitted to the Commission only contains objections in respect of which the parties have been afforded the opportunity of making known their views.

In the light of the above, I consider that the rights of the parties to be heard have been respected in this case.

Brussels, 19 May 2006

Karen WILLIAMS

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| 22.11.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 285/4 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.11.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 285/4

---

Opinion of the Advisory Committee on restrictive practices and dominant positions at its meeting on given at its 409th meeting on 15 May 2006 concerning a draft decision relating to Case COMP/F/38.645 — Methacrylates

(2006/C 285/03)

(Text with EEA relevance)

| 1. | The Advisory Committee agrees with the European Commission's assessment of






  a) | the products affected by the cartel |
| --- | --- | --- |

1.

The Advisory Committee agrees with the European Commission's assessment of

a)

the products affected by the cartel

| b) | the geographic area affected by the cartel. |
| --- | --- |

b)

the geographic area affected by the cartel.

| 2. | The Advisory Committee agrees with the European Commission's assessment of the facts as an agreement and/or concerted practice within the meaning of Article 81 of the Treaty and Article 53 of the EEA Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The Advisory Committee agrees with the European Commission's assessment of the facts as an agreement and/or concerted practice within the meaning of Article 81 of the Treaty and Article 53 of the EEA Agreement.

| 3. | The Advisory Committee agrees with the European Commission's view that the cartel constitutes a single and continuous infringement. |
| --- | --- |

3.

The Advisory Committee agrees with the European Commission's view that the cartel constitutes a single and continuous infringement.

| 4. | The Advisory Committee agrees with the European Commission's view as regards the addressees of the decision, specifically with reference to imputation of liability to parent companies and new owners of the companies/groups concerned. |
| --- | --- |

4.

The Advisory Committee agrees with the European Commission's view as regards the addressees of the decision, specifically with reference to imputation of liability to parent companies and new owners of the companies/groups concerned.

| 5. | The Advisory Committee agrees with the European Commission






  a) | that the infringement is of a very serious nature, and |
| --- | --- | --- |

5.

The Advisory Committee agrees with the European Commission

a)

that the infringement is of a very serious nature, and

| b) | as to the duration of the infringement. |
| --- | --- |

b)

as to the duration of the infringement.

| 6. | The Advisory Committee agrees with the European Commission about






  a) | the aggravating circumstances, and |
| --- | --- | --- |

6.

The Advisory Committee agrees with the European Commission about

a)

the aggravating circumstances, and

| b) | about the mitigating circumstances. |
| --- | --- |

b)

about the mitigating circumstances.

| 7. | The Advisory Committee agrees with the European Commission as regards the application of the Leniency Notice. |
| --- | --- |

7.

The Advisory Committee agrees with the European Commission as regards the application of the Leniency Notice.

| 8. | The Advisory Committee recommends the publication of its opinion in the Official Journal of the European Union. |
| --- | --- |

8.

The Advisory Committee recommends the publication of its opinion in the Official Journal of the European Union.

| 9. | The Advisory Committee asks the Commission to take into account all the other points raised during the discussion. |
| --- | --- |

9.

The Advisory Committee asks the Commission to take into account all the other points raised during the discussion.

---

| 22.11.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 285/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.11.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 285/5

---

Opinion of the Advisory Committee on restrictive practices and dominant positions given at its 410th meeting on 29 May 2006 concerning a draft decision relating to Case COMP/F/38.645 — Methacrylates

(2006/C 285/04)

(Text with EEA relevance)

| 1. | The Advisory Committee agrees with the European Commission on the basic amounts of the fines. |
| --- | --- |

1.

The Advisory Committee agrees with the European Commission on the basic amounts of the fines.

| 2. | The Advisory Committee agrees with the European Commission on the increase of the basic amount due to aggravating circumstances. |
| --- | --- |

2.

The Advisory Committee agrees with the European Commission on the increase of the basic amount due to aggravating circumstances.

| 3. | The Advisory Committee agrees with the European Commission on the reduction of the basic amount due to attenuating circumstances. |
| --- | --- |

3.

The Advisory Committee agrees with the European Commission on the reduction of the basic amount due to attenuating circumstances.

| 4. | The Advisory Committee agrees with the European Commission on the amounts of reduction of the fine based on the 2002 Commission Notice on the non-imposition or reduction of fines in cartel cases. |
| --- | --- |

4.

The Advisory Committee agrees with the European Commission on the amounts of reduction of the fine based on the 2002 Commission Notice on the non-imposition or reduction of fines in cartel cases.

| 5. | The Advisory Committee agrees with the European Commission on the final amounts of the fines. |
| --- | --- |

5.

The Advisory Committee agrees with the European Commission on the final amounts of the fines.

| 6. | The Advisory Committee recommends the publication of its opinion in the Official Journal of the European Union. |
| --- | --- |

6.

The Advisory Committee recommends the publication of its opinion in the Official Journal of the European Union.

| 7. | The Advisory Committee asks the European Commission to take into account all the other points raised during the discussion. |
| --- | --- |

7.

The Advisory Committee asks the European Commission to take into account all the other points raised during the discussion.

---

| 22.11.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 285/6 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.11.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 285/6

---

Prior notification of a concentration

(Case COMP/M.4468 — Candover Partners/Hilding Anders)

Candidate case for simplified procedure

(2006/C 285/05)

(Text with EEA relevance)

| 1. | On 10 November 2006, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking Candover Partners Limited (‘Candover’, UK), through a special purpose vehicle acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the whole of the undertaking Hilding Anders Holding AB (‘Hilding Anders’, Sweden) by way of purchase of shares. |
| --- | --- |

1.

On 10 November 2006, the Commission received a notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1) by which the undertaking Candover Partners Limited (‘Candover’, UK), through a special purpose vehicle acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Council Regulation control of the whole of the undertaking Hilding Anders Holding AB (‘Hilding Anders’, Sweden) by way of purchase of shares.

| 2. | The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:






  — | for Candover: provider of equity for European buy-outs; |
| --- | --- | --- |

2.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—

for Candover: provider of equity for European buy-outs;

| — | for Hilding Anders: development, manufacture and marketing of beds, mattresses and related products. |
| --- | --- |

—

for Hilding Anders: development, manufacture and marketing of beds, mattresses and related products.

| 3. | On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice. |
| --- | --- |

3.

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. However, the final decision on this point is reserved. Pursuant to the Commission Notice on a simplified procedure for treatment of certain concentrations under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (2) it should be noted that this case is a candidate for treatment under the procedure set out in the Notice.

| 4. | The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.
  Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (fax No (32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4468 — Candover Partners/Hilding Anders, to the following address:





  European Commission |
| --- | --- |
| Directorate-General for Competition |
| Merger Registry |
| J-70 |
| B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel |

4.

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. Observations can be sent to the Commission by fax (fax No (32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.4468 — Candover Partners/Hilding Anders, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

J-70

B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

---

(1)  OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.

(2)  OJ C 56, 5.3.2005, p. 32.

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| 22.11.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 285/7 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.11.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 285/7

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Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 70/2001 of 12 January 2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to State aid to small and medium-sized enterprises

(2006/C 285/06)

(Text with EEA relevance)

| Aid No | XS 91/06 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Netherlands |
| Region | Limburg |
| Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid | MKB + Scheme |
| Legal basis | Projectplan Pilot Gebiedsgericht Innovatiebeleid |
| Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of aid granted to the company | Aid scheme | Annual overall amount | EUR 2 million |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Individual aid | Overall aid amount | |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Articles 4(2)-(6) and 5 of the Regulation | Yes.
  The aid under this scheme is for advisory work. This means the services of external advisors that are not permanent or recurrent in nature and do not form part of the company's normal business expenditure. Aid is limited to 50 % of the costs of the services, in accordance with Article 5(a) of Regulation (EC) No 70/2001. |
| Date of implementation | 1.8.2006 |
| Duration of scheme or individual aid award | Until 31.12.2007
  The measure will, if necessary, be adapted to take account of the relevant provisions after review of Regulation (EC) No 70/2001. The Commission will be notified accordingly. |
| Objective of aid | Aid to SMEs | Yes.
  The aid is intended to promote innovation among SMEs in Limburg. It is specifically aimed at promoting innovation advice and cooperation between SMEs and knowledge institutions. |
| Economic sectors concerned | All sectors eligible for aid to SMEs | Yes |
| Name and address of the granting authority | NV Industriebank LIOF
  Ing. H.C. Burks
  Hoofd Ontwikkeling & Innovatie |
| Postbus 1310 |
| 6201 BH Maastricht |
| Nederland |

Aid No

XS 91/06

Member State

Netherlands

Region

Limburg

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

MKB + Scheme

Legal basis

Projectplan Pilot Gebiedsgericht Innovatiebeleid

Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of aid granted to the company

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

EUR 2 million

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Overall aid amount

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Articles 4(2)-(6) and 5 of the Regulation

Yes.

The aid under this scheme is for advisory work. This means the services of external advisors that are not permanent or recurrent in nature and do not form part of the company's normal business expenditure. Aid is limited to 50 % of the costs of the services, in accordance with Article 5(a) of Regulation (EC) No 70/2001.

Date of implementation

1.8.2006

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Until 31.12.2007

The measure will, if necessary, be adapted to take account of the relevant provisions after review of Regulation (EC) No 70/2001. The Commission will be notified accordingly.

Objective of aid

Aid to SMEs

Yes.

The aid is intended to promote innovation among SMEs in Limburg. It is specifically aimed at promoting innovation advice and cooperation between SMEs and knowledge institutions.

Economic sectors concerned

All sectors eligible for aid to SMEs

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

NV Industriebank LIOF

Ing. H.C. Burks

Hoofd Ontwikkeling & Innovatie

Postbus 1310

6201 BH Maastricht

Nederland

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 6 of the Regulation

Yes

| Aid No | XS 111/06 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Netherlands |
| Region | Province Zuid-Holland |
| Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid | Airborne Composites B.V. |
| Legal basis | Artikel 12 van de Algemene Subsidieverordening Zuid-Holland, 1 juni 2005 |
| Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of aid granted to the company | Aid scheme | Annual overall amount | |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Individual aid | Overall aid amount | EUR 416,00 |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Articles 4(2)-(6) and 5 of the Regulation | Yes, the state aid intensity is 50% (industrial research) |
| Date of implementation | 13 June 2006. Subject to the usual reservations, the aid will be awarded following notification |
| Duration of scheme or individual aid award | Until 31 December 2007.
  If need be, the measure will be aligned on the relevant provisions following revision of the Regulation. The Commission will be notified accordingly |
| Objective of aid | Aid to SMEs | Yes
  This R&D project is developing knowledge and technology in the field of composite piping systems and smart materials for a range of applications, including the energy and off-shore sectors. Various sectors need knowledge about pipes that can function in extreme circumstances and deliver information about the pipe's environment and the status of the pipe itself. The R&D project concerns new technologies based on composites, fibre technology and advanced manufacturing technologies. Know-how and technology for the products in question are still at the R&D stage. The application of composites in conjunction with the desired manufacturing methods also make it possible to introduce smart materials and smart sensors. This offers scope, for example, for condition monitoring in practical applications. Research is being carried out into whether this is technically feasible and what influence it has on the detailed design, system integration and take-up of composite piping systems in the possible areas of application |
| Economic sectors concerned | Limited to specific sectors | Yes |
| Other manufacturing | Supply of various sectors |
| Name and address of the granting authority | Provincie Zuid-Holland |
| Postbus 90602 |
| 2509 LP Den Haag |
| Nederland |

Aid No

XS 111/06

Member State

Netherlands

Region

Province Zuid-Holland

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Airborne Composites B.V.

Legal basis

Artikel 12 van de Algemene Subsidieverordening Zuid-Holland, 1 juni 2005

Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of aid granted to the company

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Overall aid amount

EUR 416,00

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Articles 4(2)-(6) and 5 of the Regulation

Yes, the state aid intensity is 50% (industrial research)

Date of implementation

13 June 2006. Subject to the usual reservations, the aid will be awarded following notification

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Until 31 December 2007.

If need be, the measure will be aligned on the relevant provisions following revision of the Regulation. The Commission will be notified accordingly

Objective of aid

Aid to SMEs

Yes

This R&D project is developing knowledge and technology in the field of composite piping systems and smart materials for a range of applications, including the energy and off-shore sectors. Various sectors need knowledge about pipes that can function in extreme circumstances and deliver information about the pipe's environment and the status of the pipe itself. The R&D project concerns new technologies based on composites, fibre technology and advanced manufacturing technologies. Know-how and technology for the products in question are still at the R&D stage. The application of composites in conjunction with the desired manufacturing methods also make it possible to introduce smart materials and smart sensors. This offers scope, for example, for condition monitoring in practical applications. Research is being carried out into whether this is technically feasible and what influence it has on the detailed design, system integration and take-up of composite piping systems in the possible areas of application

Economic sectors concerned

Limited to specific sectors

Yes

Other manufacturing

Supply of various sectors

Name and address of the granting authority

Provincie Zuid-Holland

Postbus 90602

2509 LP Den Haag

Nederland

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 6 of the Regulation

Yes

| Aid No | XS 122/06 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Netherlands |
| Region | Zuidoost Nederland |
| Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid | Innovation Zone:






  — | Clustering scheme |

Aid No

XS 122/06

Member State

Netherlands

Region

Zuidoost Nederland

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Innovation Zone:

—

Clustering scheme

Legal basis

Projectplan Pilot Gebiedsgericht Innovatiebeleid

Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of aid granted to the company

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

EUR 1,4 million

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Overall aid amount

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Articles 4(2)-(6) and 5 of the Regulation

Yes.

This aid scheme covers both consultancy services and precompetitive development activities.

The maximum aid intensity for advisory services is 50 %, in conformity with Article 5(a) of the Regulation.

The maximum aid intensity for precompetitive development activities is 35 %, in conformity with Article 5a of Regulation (EC) No 364/2004.

Date of implementation

1 July 2006

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Until 31 December 2008

If necessary, the measure will be aligned on the relevant provisions after revision of Regulation (EC) No 70/2001, as amended by Regulation (EC) No 364/2004, and the Commission notified accordingly.

Objective of aid

Aid to SMEs

Yes.

The aid is intended to promote clustering and innovative (product)development by SMes in Zuidoost Nederland. Preferably in cooperation with research institutes.

The clustering scheme provides for aid to go to SMEs only and not to any non-SMEs in the cluster.

Economic sectors concerned

All sectors eligible for aid to SMEs

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

NV Industriebank LIOF

Ing. H.C. Burks

Hoofd Ontwikkeling & Innovatie

| Postbus 1310 |
| --- |
| 6201 BH Maastricht |
| Nederland |

Postbus 1310

6201 BH Maastricht

Nederland

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 6 of the Regulation

Yes

| Aid No | XS 123/06 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Netherlands |
| Region | Zuidoost Nederland |
| Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid | Innovation Zone:






  — | Support for market research and feasibility studies |

Aid No

XS 123/06

Member State

Netherlands

Region

Zuidoost Nederland

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Innovation Zone:

—

Support for market research and feasibility studies

Legal basis

Projectplan Pilot Gebiedsgericht Innovatiebeleid

Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of aid granted to the company

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

EUR 0,4 million

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Overall aid amount

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Articles 4(2)-(6) and 5 of the Regulation

Yes.

Aid under this scheme is primarily aimed at consultancy services. These are services provided by external consultants; they are not permanent, regular or part of the business's general overheads.

The maximum aid intensity under this exemption regulation is 50 %, in conformity with Article 5(a) of the Regulation.

If the consultancy services concern a technical feasibility study, the maximum aid intensity is 75 %, in conformity with Article 5b of Regulation (EC) No 364/2004.

Aid in excess of the above percentages falls under the rules on de minimis aid.

Date of implementation

1 July 2006

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Until 31 December 2008

If necessary, the measure will be aligned on the relevant provisions after revision of Regulation (EC) No 70/2001, as amended by Regulation (EC) No 364/2004, and the Commission notified accordingly.

Objective of aid

Aid to SMEs

Yes.

The aid is intended to promote clustering and innovative (product) development by SMes in Zuidoost Nederland. Preferably in cooperation with research institutes.

The clustering scheme provides for aid to go to SMEs only and not to any non-SMEs in the cluster.

Economic sectors concerned

All sectors eligible for aid to SMEs

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

NV Industriebank LIOF

Ing. H.C. Burks

Hoofd Ontwikkeling & Innovatie

| Postbus 1310 |
| --- |
| 6201 BH Maastricht |
| Nederland |

Postbus 1310

6201 BH Maastricht

Nederland

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 6 of the Regulation

Yes

---

| 22.11.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 285/12 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.11.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 285/12

---

Information communicated by Member States regarding State aid granted under Commission Regulation (EC) No 68/2001 of 12 January 2001 on the application of Articles 87 and 88 of the EC Treaty to training aid

(2006/C 285/07)

(Text with EEA relevance)

| Aid No | XT 18/06 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Portugal |
| Region | Continental Portugal, the Azores and Madeira |
| Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid | Independent vocational training projects not covered by the aid schemes approved by the European Commission as part of the PRIME programme (State aid No 667/99 — SMEs and State aid No 89/2000 — SIVETUR) |
| Legal basis | Portaria 1285/2003 de 17 de Novembro |
| Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company | Aid scheme | Annual overall amount | EUR 38 692 899,58 (1) |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Individual aid | Overall aid amount | |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation | Yes |
| Date of implementation | 1.1.2005-31.12.2005 |
| Duration of scheme or individual aid award | Until 31.12.2006 |
| Objective of aid | General training | Yes |
| Specific training | Yes |
| Economic sectors concerned | All sectors eligible for training aid | No |
| Limited to specific sectors | Yes |
| — | Agriculture |

Aid No

XT 18/06

Member State

Portugal

Region

Continental Portugal, the Azores and Madeira

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Independent vocational training projects not covered by the aid schemes approved by the European Commission as part of the PRIME programme (State aid No 667/99 — SMEs and State aid No 89/2000 — SIVETUR)

Legal basis

Portaria 1285/2003 de 17 de Novembro

Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

EUR 38 692 899,58 (1)

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Overall aid amount

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation

Yes

Date of implementation

1.1.2005-31.12.2005

Duration of scheme or individual aid award

Until 31.12.2006

Objective of aid

General training

Yes

Specific training

Yes

Economic sectors concerned

All sectors eligible for training aid

No

Limited to specific sectors

Yes

—

Agriculture

No

| — | Fisheries and aquaculture |
| --- | --- |

—

Fisheries and aquaculture

No

| — | Coalmining |
| --- | --- |

—

Coalmining

No

| — | All manufacturing |
| --- | --- |

—

All manufacturing

Yes

or

Steel

Yes

Shipbuilding

Yes

Synthetic fibres

Yes

Motor vehicles

Yes

Other manufacturing

Yes

| — | All services |
| --- | --- |

—

All services

No

or

Maritime transport services

No

Other transport services

Yes

Financial services

No

Other services

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

Gabinete de Gestão do PRIME

| Rua Rodrigues Sampaio, 13 |
| --- |
| P-1169 — 028 Lisboa |
| Tel.: 213 112 100 |
| Fax: 213 112 197 |
| info@gabprime.org |
| http://www.prime.min-economia.pr/ |

Rua Rodrigues Sampaio, 13

P-1169 — 028 Lisboa

Tel.: 213 112 100

Fax: 213 112 197

info@gabprime.org

http://www.prime.min-economia.pr/

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 5 of the Regulation

Yes

| Aid No | XT 40/06 |
| --- | --- |
| Member State | Germany |
| Region | Bundesland Brandenburg |
| Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid | Competition inviting ideas on ‘Improving the transfer of knowledge between science and business’ — support provided under the INNOPUNKT Programme of the Brandenburg Ministry for Labour, Social Welfare, Health and Family Affairs |
| Legal basis | Landeshaushaltsordnung (LHO) § 44 und die dazugehörigen Verwaltungsvorschriften |
| Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company | Aid scheme | Annual overall amount | 2006: 0,1 EUR million
  2006: 0,5 EUR million
  2006: 0,2 EUR million |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Individual aid | Overall aid amount | |
| Loans guaranteed | |
| Maximum aid intensity | In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation | Yes |
| Date of implementation | 1.7.2006 |
| Duration of the scheme or individual aid award | 1.7.2006 until 30.6.2008
  The adjustment period provided for in Article 8(2) of Regulation 68/2001 is being used in order to make any adjustment needed to bring the scheme into line with the block exemption regulation then applicable. Steps are being taken to ensure that after the deadline the scheme is in keeping with the block exemption regulation or corresponding rules then in force. |
| Objective of aid | General training | Yes |
| Specific training | No |
| Economic sectors concerned | All sectors eligible for training aid | Yes |
| Name and address of the granting authority | LASA Brandenburg GmbH |
| Wetzlarer Str. 54 |
| D-14482 Potsdam |

Aid No

XT 40/06

Member State

Germany

Region

Bundesland Brandenburg

Title of aid scheme or name of company receiving individual aid

Competition inviting ideas on ‘Improving the transfer of knowledge between science and business’ — support provided under the INNOPUNKT Programme of the Brandenburg Ministry for Labour, Social Welfare, Health and Family Affairs

Legal basis

Landeshaushaltsordnung (LHO) § 44 und die dazugehörigen Verwaltungsvorschriften

Annual expenditure planned or overall amount of individual aid granted to the company

Aid scheme

Annual overall amount

2006: 0,1 EUR million

2006: 0,5 EUR million

2006: 0,2 EUR million

Loans guaranteed

Individual aid

Overall aid amount

Loans guaranteed

Maximum aid intensity

In conformity with Article 4(2)-(7) of the Regulation

Yes

Date of implementation

1.7.2006

Duration of the scheme or individual aid award

1.7.2006 until 30.6.2008

The adjustment period provided for in Article 8(2) of Regulation 68/2001 is being used in order to make any adjustment needed to bring the scheme into line with the block exemption regulation then applicable. Steps are being taken to ensure that after the deadline the scheme is in keeping with the block exemption regulation or corresponding rules then in force.

Objective of aid

General training

Yes

Specific training

No

Economic sectors concerned

All sectors eligible for training aid

Yes

Name and address of the granting authority

LASA Brandenburg GmbH

Wetzlarer Str. 54

D-14482 Potsdam

Large individual aid grants

In conformity with Article 5 of the Regulation

Yes

---

(1)  Encontra-se deduzido um montante de 32 450,54 Euros relativo ao 00/15654 — INFINITUM — Indústria de Confecções, Lda, cujo apoio, comunicado em 2004, foi entretanto anulado.

---

III Notices

Commission

| 22.11.2006 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | C 285/14 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

22.11.2006

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 285/14

---

Europe for Citizens Programme 2007-2013 — Conditional publication of the Programme Guide

(2006/C 285/08)

Introduction

The Commission's proposal relating to the Europe for Citizens programme for the period 2007-2013 is scheduled to be adopted by the European legislator soon. To enable prompt implementation of this programme and to enable potential beneficiaries of Community grants to prepare their proposals the Commission has decided to publish a provisional version of the Programme Guide including detailed information on the implementation of the programme.

1.   Precautionary Clause

The Programme Guide does not legally bind the Commission. It may be cancelled and another version of the Programme Guide with different specifications may be issued, with appropriate reply periods, if there is a substantial change in the basic act by the European legislator.

More generally, the implementation of Europe for Citizens Programme in 2007 as envisaged in the Programme Guide is subject to the following conditions, the meeting of which is not dependent on the Commission:

| — | the adoption by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union of the final text of the basic act establishing the Programme without any substantial modifications; |
| --- | --- |

—

the adoption by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union of the final text of the basic act establishing the Programme without any substantial modifications;

| — | the adoption of the annual work plan relating to the Europe for Citizens programme and of the general implementation guidelines and the selection criteria and procedures, after referral to the Programme committee; and |
| --- | --- |

—

the adoption of the annual work plan relating to the Europe for Citizens programme and of the general implementation guidelines and the selection criteria and procedures, after referral to the Programme committee; and

| — | the adoption of the 2007 budget for the European Union by the budgetary authority. |
| --- | --- |

—

the adoption of the 2007 budget for the European Union by the budgetary authority.

Furthermore, the references in the Programme Guide to the EAC Executive Agency are subject to the adoption of a decision of the Commission, extending the mandate of the EAC Executive Agency in order to cover the new generation of Programmes.

2.   Objectives and Description

The European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, have agreed to establish the Europe for citizens Programme, which brings into being the legal framework to support a wide range of activities and organisations promoting ‘active European citizenship’, i.e. the involvement of citizens and civil society organisations in the process of European integration.

The general objectives of the Europe for citizens Programme are to contribute to:

| — | giving citizens the opportunity to interact and participate in constructing an ever closer Europe, which is democratic and world-oriented, united in and enriched through its cultural diversity, thus developing citizenship of the European Union; |
| --- | --- |

—

giving citizens the opportunity to interact and participate in constructing an ever closer Europe, which is democratic and world-oriented, united in and enriched through its cultural diversity, thus developing citizenship of the European Union;

| — | developing a sense of European identity, based on common values, history and culture; |
| --- | --- |

—

developing a sense of European identity, based on common values, history and culture;

| — | fostering a sense of ownership of the European Union among its citizens; |
| --- | --- |

—

fostering a sense of ownership of the European Union among its citizens;

| — | enhancing tolerance and mutual understanding between European citizens respecting and promoting cultural and linguistic diversity, while contributing to intercultural dialogue. |
| --- | --- |

—

enhancing tolerance and mutual understanding between European citizens respecting and promoting cultural and linguistic diversity, while contributing to intercultural dialogue.

In order to achieve its objectives, the Europe for citizens Programme proposes four actions, divided into different measures.

Action 1 — Active Citizens for Europe involving citizens either through activities linked to town-twinning or through other kinds of citizens projects.

Action 2 — Active civil society for Europe targeted to civil society organisations either through structural support on the basis of their European level work programme or through support to trans-national projects.

Action 3 — Together for Europe including high visibility events, studies and information tools.

Action 4 — Active European Remembrance supporting actions aiming at preserving the sites and archives associated with the deportations as well as at commemorating the victims of Nazism and Stalinism and contributing to broad reflection on origins and the future of the European integration.

3.   Eligible Applicants

The Programme is open to all stakeholders promoting active European citizenship.

For example: local authorities and organisations; European public policy research organisations (think-tanks); citizens' groups; civil society organisations; non-governmental organisations; trade unions; educational institutions; organisations active in the field of voluntary work; organisations active in the field of amateur sport, etc.

Some actions of the programme are however targeting a more limited range of organisations. The eligibility of applicant organisations is therefore defined in the Programme Guide specifically for each measure/sub-measure.

The Programme is open to the 27 Member States of the European Union as from 1 January 2007 (1). The Programme can also be opened to other countries, namely the EFTA countries which are parties to the EEA Agreement, the candidate countries and countries from the Western Balkans, provided that the relevant legal and financial obligations are fulfilled.

4.   Budget and Duration

The Programme has an overall budget of EUR 215 million for the period 2007-2013. The annual budget is subject to decision of the budgetary authorities.

The decision establishing the Programme specified that the overall budget breakdown between the different actions should be the following:

| | Action 1: at least 45 % |
| --- | --- |

Action 1: at least 45 %

| | Action 2: approximately 31 % |
| --- | --- |

Action 2: approximately 31 %

| | Action 3: approximately 10 % |
| --- | --- |

Action 3: approximately 10 %

| | Action 4: approximately 4 %. |
| --- | --- |

Action 4: approximately 4 %.

5.   Further Information

Further information, including the details of deadlines for grant applications, may be found in the Europe for Citizens Programme Guide on the following websites:

http://eacea.cec.eu.int/static/en/citizenship/index.htm

http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/education_culture/activecitizenship/index_en.htm

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(1)  Subject to outstanding ratification processes for Bulgaria and Romania.

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